Problem A:
The printer does not switch from PK to MK. It just gives a Cleaning Error message. I tried several times over a few weeks. Is there any way to overcome this problem?
Is the only solution to change the ink placement so that MK would be in the Gloss Optimizer slot. I have heard that it is possible to use Hahnemule Protective Spray on glossy prints instead of printing the gloss optimizer.
Problem B:
Nozzle check looks ok. Printing the QTR 10 Ink Purge image the densities on all channels except the OR and GR (very light warm and cool) are as before, but some of the channels have some banding. The very light fields have both equal densities of 0,09. I have done a lot of OR and GR Ink Purge prints, done a lot of head cleans and every now and then heavy head cleans with no change. My assumption is that there is some separation of pigments in the ink cartridges as I had not been printing other than nozzle checks for a little more than one month.
If that assumption is correct, how many normal + heavy head cleanings is needed for new cartridge agitated ink to reach the print heads? How many letter sized OR or GR QTR purge sheets has to be printed for the ink to reach the print heads?
Or do you have any other suggestion what the problem could be?
Problem C:
When printing a normal b&w photo the DMax on glossy stock is around 1,2. There is some weak banding on the print and a grainy look. When looking at the print with a magnifier you can see “missing dots” ie small white holes in the 100 % black field. As the other channels exept the two very light inks are ok, what could be the reason for the very pale print?
My intention was tu upload some images to illustrate the problems but I do not know how to do it?
Br Lasse
The amount of cleanings to bring fresh inks to the print head will probably delaminate the print head due to excessive heat caused by EPSON cleaning operations. You should only use the INITIAL FILL. There is 40ml of ink between the carts and print head. Excessive head cleaning is known to burn out ink channels. So do NOT do that! Just use the Initial Fill procedure which should be the same that you used when you originally installed the inks.
If you would like to upload a nozzle check I can tell you if you have already compromised the print head. If you can not attach images - please email them to Rachel at [email protected] and she can evaluate them for you.
The cleaning error on switching I am unsure about other than seeing this issue with EPSON ink carts in which the chip is not recognized but your printer will not operate without the chip installed. So the cause may be different for example too little % of ink remaining on the chip… or a maintenance box issue with too little space remaining…
My bigger worry is that your print head may be delaminated from too much cleaning trying to move fresh inks to the head. In general, if you are not printing daily with a professional printer, or at the least running several large prints weekly, your inks are going to settle out. If you are not printing for months you should probably flush out the inks of the printer and install PiezoFlush during its dormancy.
regards,
jon
Thank you, Jon, for your fast replay.
I am aware of the risk of too many cleaning procedures, so I have not made the cleanings in sequins only one per day as a maximum and the heavy cleans all together perhaps 5 times.
The problem with getting ink through the channels is that I do not have a PC so don’t have the software to do the initial fill. When I installed Piezography I printed a lot of QTR purge sheets, I think it was 50 meter of cheep roll paper before everything was clean.
I´ll email pictures to your info box.
Br Lasse
Hi Lasse,
Download the free trial of Parallels for Mac and you get Windows installed on OS X.
The INITIAL INK FILL is really effective as it produces strong suction.
Rachel - IJM TechSupport
Hi Lasse,
Please send me a screen shot of your quadtone RIP settings and also your PrintTool settings so that I can see your workflow. I also emailed you off list in case you are unable to post images here - just post to my email!
Rachel - IJM TechSupport